May

Days are starting to get longer acompanied by warmer temperatures. Some sowing might already be complete in heated greenhouses or under cold frames, for those of you without either now is the time to get those seeds planted. May can be a thickle month with late frosts or even just a drop in temperature preventing germination. Gauge the weather forecast and if unsure keep some seeds in reserve for a second sowing should the first fail or seedlings killed by a late frost.

pink and yellow flowers under blue sky during daytime
pink and yellow flowers under blue sky during daytime

May is all about timing, get it right and your crops get the longest season possible, get it wrong and wet, cold, or even frost can ruin any progress. Keeping an eye on the weather is key, giving time to fleece up and tender seeds or seedlings.

What to harvest?

  • Spring Cauliflowers

  • Lettuces

  • Turnips

  • Chop Suey Greens

  • Garlic

  • Swiss Chard

  • Aspargus

  • Rhubard

  • Spring Cabbages

  • Globe Artichokes

  • Spinach

  • Radishes

  • Spring Onions

  • Oriental Leaves

What to sow?

  • Beetroot

  • Corn Salad

  • Cucumbers

  • French Beans

  • Sprouting Broccoli

  • Runner Beans

  • Sweetcorn

  • Cabbages

  • Cauliflowers

  • Pumpkin

  • Chicory

  • Chillies

  • Peppers

  • Courgettes

  • Marrows

  • Summer Squash

  • Endive

  • French Bean

  • Gherkins

  • Kale

Jobs

  • Aubergines

  • Brussle Sprouts

  • Cabbages

  • Cauliflower

  • Celeriac

  • Celery

  • Courgettes

  • Cucumbers

  • Florence Fennel

  • Globe artichokes

  • Kohl Rabi

  • Leeks

  • Lettuces

  • Peas

  • Potatoes

  • Pumpkins winter squashes

  • Rhubarb

  • Sweet Potatoes

  • Sprouting Broccoli

white flower with water droplets
white flower with water droplets
What to sow/plant out?

May is the month where staying on top of a few key jobs is critical for a successful season.

Harden Off Seedlings

With luck you will have seedlings starting to appear and if the weather is right you might already have some sizable plugs. Its important not to jump the gun and be tempted to plant them straight into the group, the sudden change in temperature can shock a plant and slow its progress. We recommend moving greenhouse plants into cold frames, and where plants are already in a cold frame start to leave the frame open during the day and close at night. Once the danger of frost has passed you can plant out.

Weed Regularly

With the warmer weather comes the dreaded weed, keep beds clear and ready for seedlings. This will stop weeds using up vital nutrients and be lighter work than one big weed clearing. Where seeds are already in a bed ensure weeds are not suffocating young seedlings.

Watering

Young plants and seedlings have shallow roots and rely on surface moisture so its important to water regularly while they're establishing.

Protect Plants

Frost and cold weather is still a threat and keeping an eye on the weather forcast is a must, one missed frost can spell doom for a sowing. Any sign of colder weather and you should move plants under cover where possible or fleece for protection.

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